Homeless man fights crackdown on panhandling

The New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union says the town of Hudson's officials and police officers are violating the free-speech rights of the poor and the homeless by harassing and arresting panhandlers.

CONCORD, N.H. — The town of Hudson’s officials and police officers are violating the free-speech rights of the poor and the homeless by harassing and arresting panhandlers who use signs to solicit handouts, the state Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday in a lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed against the town in federal court in Concord, seeks a court order that town officials stop interfering with the free-speech rights of panhandlers on public property.

A 24-year-old homeless man, Jeffery Pendleton, is the lead plaintiff. New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union attorney Gilles Bissonnette said Wednesday that Pendleton, who has been arrested at least once, no longer panhandles in Hudson because he fears he will be arrested again.

“The police made it clear if you engage in this form of speech you will be detained, cited and maybe arrested,” Bissonnette said. “His First Amendment rights have been chilled.”

Here at MaineToday Media we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion.

To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use. Click here to flag and report a comment that violates our terms of use.